SAN DIEGO – San Diego Loyal SC got a stoppage-time winner to open the season with a 2-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II as an own goal by Los Dos’ Jalen Neal after a shot by Thomas Amang had hit the crossbar and deflected home off the defender proved the difference at Torero Stadium.

SD Loyal believed it had taken the lead in the 19th minute but new forward Kyle Vassell was ruled offside as he slid in to put home a low cross from the left by Nick Moon, and that proved the only big chance for either side before the halftime break. The hosts took the lead with 12 minutes to go, however, as second-half substitute Amang scored on his debut for San Diego as he received a slipped pass by Tumi Moshobane at the top of the penalty area and finished clinically for his first goal for the club.

Chances of a comeback looked dim for Los Dos when in the 82nd minute they were reduced to 10 men after Remi Cabral was shown a red card for a hard foul on a potential counterattack. Two minutes later, however, Preston Judd came through with an equalizer as he outpaced his marker to a through-ball by Daniel Aguirre, drove into the penalty area and shot low into the left corner. The hosts pulled victory out the bag deep in stoppage time, however, as Amang’s clipped finish off a cross from the left by Charlie Adams caromed off the crossbar, then off Neal – who had little time to react – and into the net.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Thomas Amang, San Diego Loyal SC – Amang came off the bench and delivered, scoring the opening goal and then playing a role in the winner in stoppage time to send SD Loyal to victory.

Scoring Summary
SD – Thomas Amang (Tumi Moshobane) 78’
LA – Preston Judd (Daniel Aguirre) 84’
SD – Jalen Neal (own goal) 90+7’

Full Box Score